When gaming first appeared in the mainstream, it was seen as a niche pastime with a relatively small cult following. Fast forward two decades and it’s a major player in the entertainment industry, worth billions.
Just as with physical sports, eager fans enjoy watching as much as playing themselves. Last year’s biggest event attracted over five million viewers, easily matching the numbers of any conventional sporting final.
The record breaking League of Legends world event was indicative of how far modern gaming events, and gaming itself, have come.
Before most contemporary games were even an idea, poker was the pinnacle of competitive gaming. Since the 90s, tournaments have been attracting a viewership in the millions, with prize money also reaching seven figures.
Players from every country try their hand, with poker canada being one of the most popular and lucrative. Last year, American Alex Foxen took home over $4.5 million from last year’s Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’Em tournament.
Just like conventional sport, professional poker offered the chance to turn a hobby into a viable and gainful career. Likewise, the meteoric rise of esports has provided the same opportunity to keen gamers.
With the scope of the industry continually expanding, should people consider esports as a career?
Although it’s unquestionably hard to achieve, professional esports can be surprisingly fruitful. The value of the competitive gaming industry is expected to exceed $1.5 billion by the year’s end.
This has translated into massive prize pools. The International 2021 tournament sent the winners of the Dota 2 competitive home with over $40 million.
Coaches and backroom staff receive a share in the prize money, and themselves earn an above-average living.
Tournaments sell out arenas and attract massive sponsorship deals from the likes of BMW, Red Bull, Intel and more.
Juan DeBiedma, who quit his job to focus on playing Super Smash Bros professionally revealed the profitability of professional gaming. In 2016, he earned $85,000 in prize money, and over $100,000 the following year.
Since, prize money has only increased, with professional players earning more than ever. Professional play also opens other avenues, such as individual sponsorship deals and Twitch streaming.
What was previously disregarded by parents as a ‘waste of time’ has become a very viable career path. A career in esports isn’t reserved for the few lucky enough to be exceptionally talented at a game.
Countless backroom staff form an indispensable part of every successful team and are as important as the players themselves. Just as in football or basketball, every team has coaches who guide the players and dictate strategy.
Analysts look for opposition weaknesses, and ways to improve their own team’s play. Another crucial part of gaming is keeping up with the meta.
As updates change a game and add new characters, strategy is constantly evolving. An extensive background team is needed to ensure a team’s strategy is the most effective possible at a given time.
Universities and colleges are facilitating careers in esports, with industry specific courses. The UK’s Staffordshire university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the study of esports.
The British eSports association has also supported a number of new international level three qualifications. These include events management, video production, enterprise and entrepreneurship, coaching, strategy and analysis among others.
The US has organizations such as the High School Esports League and Play VS. As well as hosting competitions, these offer collegiate scholarships in esports.
Female-only teams and tournaments help bridge the gender divide, adding inclusivity to a male dominated industry. With so many different games present on the professional scene, there are ample avenues into making a living from gaming.
Frequent gaming fosters tangible improvements in emotional and cognitive skills, and can be beneficial in the same way as conventional sports. A League of Legends coach observed seeing critical thinking skills, teamwork, hand eye coordination and multitasking skills all improve.
As with every team game, communication is key and individuals have to work together efficiently and react to changing situations. Being part of an esports team can also instill confidence both on and off the game.
Considering gaming is often a retreat for shy people, the instilled confidence is especially important.
Every young gamer has at some stage of their life dreamed of making a job out of playing their favorite games. With gaming and esports’s immense swell in popularity, more people than ever are realizing such dreams.
Involvement in esports is now taught at an academic level, for both playing and coaching roles. Whether it’s sat playing in a big competition, or working behind the scenes, all gamers should consider a career in esports.
This is a paid guest post.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
